Fish Creek Provincial Park

13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary, AB T2W 5R6, Canada

Website

403-297-7827

Open at 8:00 a.m. every day of the year and open during day light hours.

 

About Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Canada’s largest urban park stretches approximately 12 miles from the T’suu Tina Reserve at 37th Street to the Bow River’s banks in the east, covering much of the south side of the city and dividing established and newer suburbs.

At the far east and south end is the man-made Sikome lake and swimming area. The Fish Creek Environmental Learning Center, which conducts educational programs is at the west end. The Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Center, and The Ranch, an upscale sit-down restaurant is at the east end.

Formally a gravel pit, Lafarge Meadows has been transformed into a wetland landscape and is a part of the Fish Creek Park. One of the biggest boat launches in Alberta, the Bow river boat launch is also located in the provincial park.

What to do at Fish Creek Provincial Park?

Things to do at Fish Creek Provincial Park

 
Fish Creek Provincial Park offers many opportunities for recreational activities throughout the year regardless of age and physical ability. – Map

The park has many picnic areas with fire pits washrooms and Glennfield is the only park area with picnic shelters which can be reserved.

In summer: Activities include fishing (permitted in the Bow River and Fish Creek), wading, swimming and beach play in Sikome lake, cycling (permitted on all the paved and shale trails in the park except the paved trails around Sikome Lake and in front of the Bow Valley Ranch visitor centre), roller blading (not permitted inside the buildings or on the paved trails around Sikome Lake for the safety of other park users), and day camping.

In winter: Cross-country skiing trails suitable for the novice and more experienced skier exist in the west end, snowshoeing (best conditions in west end), walking/hiking on the paved trails. Tobogganing is not encouraged in the park.

Archaeological interpretive centre within the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre, allows visitors to explore and experience the park’s 8500 year human history. This area includes a range of interactive archaeological displays and a working laboratory, giving visitors a chance to view ancient and historical artifacts excavated from sites throughout the park.

Enjoy Artisan Gardens where Alberta’s history, nature and art is honoured in a very unique and culturally significant fashion with First Nations history, family and the natural environment. Enjoy a date night during full moon nights.

Many educational and public programs are held in Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre & Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre.

Events at the Fish Creek Provincial Park – Events Calender

The Bow river boat launch has an good sized parking lot and boat launch ramp.

Who all can go and enjoy ? – This park is for everybody.

How to get to Fish Creek Provincial Park?

Fish Creek Provincial Park location & driving directions

fishcreek (2)Fish Creek Provincial Park facilities and trails are easily accessed through entrances off major roads in Calgary. Public transport also serves the park. One can access the park via Calgary transit routes 3,11,12,201,15,52,83,56.

Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre is located off 37 Street and 130 Avenue S.W. at 13931 Woodpath Road, S.W.,Calgary, T2W 5R6.

Take Anderson Road West to 37th Street S.W. Head south on 37th Street S.W. to 130th Avenue S.W.(Second set of lights on 37th Street S.W.). Turn left onto 130th Avenue S.W. and then take your first right onto Woodpath Road S.W. Drive straight ahead into the Park and continue to the bottom of the hill. The Environmental Learning Centre is on the right hand side.

Calgary transit route 56(Woodbine ) with stop 6103 serves this centre.

Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre is at east end of Fish Creek Provincial Park, access via the Bow Bottom Trail and located at 15979 Bow Bottom Trail S.E.,Calgary, T2P 0Y8.

Take Deerfoot Trail South and get onto Bow Bottom Trail South. Follow Bow Bottom Trail south until you come into Fish Creek Provincial Park where the road has narrowed into two lanes and the speed limit is now 30 km. Once in the Park, take the first turn on the right into the Bow Valley Ranch area. Park your vehicle in the parking lot and proceed to the Visitor Centre. There is NO access to the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre from Sun Valley Blvd.

Centre can be accessed via calgary transit route 83 (Parkland) with stop 6466.

The Sikome aquatic facility can be accessed by Bow Bottom Trail S.E. or Sun Valley Boulevard S.E. off Highway 22x.
LaFarge Meadows is in a quiet, secluded area of Fish Creek Park, south of Sikome Lake nestled on the west bank of the Bow River.
The Bow river boat launch, located near 22x highway in south Fish Creek Provincial Park.

GPS : 50.926194,-114.05561 ( centre of the park)

How long will it take to see Fish Creek Provincial Park?

Depends on activity planned.

How much will it cost to visit the Park?

Fish Creek Provincial Park Admission/ Rates

Park is Free.

Glennfield Group Day Use Areas rental fee is $78.00 plus a non-refundable $12.00 deposit.

When to visit Fish Creek Provincial Park?

Fish Creek Provincial Park Hours

Please Verify hours

Fish Creek Provincial Park gates open at 8:00 a.m. every day of the year.

March 1 – April 30 08:00 – 20:00 (8:00 p.m.) Spring
May 1 – September 5 08:00 – 22:00 (10:00 p.m. Summer
September 6 – October 30 08:00 – 20:00 (8:00 p.m.) Fall
October 31 – February 28 08:00 – 18:00 (6:00 p.m.) Winter

Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre:

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. until 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. (all year round).

Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre:

Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The Sikome Aquatic Facility will be open for public swimming from June mid to September long weekend, daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Boat Launch Ramp:

Open year round as long as safe access can be provided.

What about Amenities, Access & Parking at the Park?

Sikome Lake Calgary

Sikome Lake Calgary

Trail maps, park information and an exhibit area are on-site at Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre. Trail maps and park information are available at The Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre.

Picnic Areas:

  • Glennfield is the only park area with picnic shelters. There are three shelters containing tables with benches and firestoves. Area C – West Shelter is available on a first come, first served basis (not reservable)
  • Shannon Terrace, Bebo Grove, Votier’s Flats, Glennfield and Hull’s Wood have paved parking lots, picnic tables, firepits (bring your own firewood), and washrooms.
  • Bankside has parking lot, picnic tables, washrooms – no firepits.
  • Burnsmead has parking lot, washrooms – no firepits.

Mallard Point has parking lot, picnic tables, washrooms – no firepits.

Telephones: A pay telephone is located at the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre.

Washrooms/Restrooms: Washrooms are usually locked about one hour prior to gate closure. Shannon Terrace picnic area, Bebo Grove, Votier’s Flats (east only), Glennfield Area C (west) and Glennfield Area A (East), Boat Launch, Hull’s Wood, Mallard Point and Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre , Burnsmead are open all year around.
Seasonal washrooms at Votier’s Flats (west), Glennfield Area B (centre), and Bankside are open from May 1 to September 30.

Access-The visitor centres are wheel chair accessible and there are plenty of paved trails.

There are many parking areas in the park.

Boat Launch Parking Area: Open year round on regular posted gate schedules.

Campground -Day use only camps

Dining Options –

Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
Annie’s Bakery – open during summer only

Posted in Attractions, Parks and Provincial Parks

A tip for your trip!

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  1. Sue L Blanchard, MBA, ABC by IABC, CAAP

    The Friends of Fish Creek raises large amounts of money and much of it goes to salaries if you examine their annual report. They charge for virtually all their events. Before you donate, visit Charity Intelligence Canada and research charities.

    November 15, 2022 at 2:52 PM

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